Gina Raimondo on Jobs

Raise minimum wage; expand earned income tax credit

Training for changing job market

Touts unemployment rate of 4.3%, lowest rate since 2001

The economic facts that matter to most Rhode Islanders, according to Brown, are that the costs of health care, housing, education and child care have gone up, and continue to go up, while wages have "flatlined." "That basic fact means life has gotten harder for people and continues to get harder," Brown said.

Yet, a July 19 press release from Governor Raimondo's office trumpets 2,500 jobs created in June, "another all-time high jobs record," and an unemployment rate of 4.3 percent, the lowest unemployment rate since 2001. "This jobs report is another clear sign that our approach to economic development, commitment to job training and support for tourism is working," Raimondo says in a statement.

Give everyone chance for dignified work at a decent wage

There was dignity in work. There was pride in what you built and what you made. For too many though, that deal is now out of reach. So let's invest in our middle class. Let's put that deal back on the table here in Rhode Island.

In 2015 we raised the minimum wage. Last year, I stood with many of you to try raise it again. And we fell short. The budget I'll submit will once again raise the minimum wage. This time to $10.50 an hour. No one working full time should live in poverty.

Raise minimum wage to $9.60 per hour

• Every employer shall pay to each of his or her employees:
• Commencing July 1, 1999, at least the minimum wage of $5.65 per hour.
• Commencing September 1, 2000, the minimum wage is $6.15 per hour.
• Commencing January 1, 2004, the minimum wage is $6.75 per hour.
• Commencing March 1, 2006, the minimum wage is $7.10 per hour.
• Commencing January 1, 2007, the minimum wage is $7.40 per hour.
• Commencing January 1, 2013, the minimum wage is $7.75 per hour.
• Commencing January 1, 2014, the minimum wage is $8.00 per hour.
• Commencing January 1, 2015, the minimum wage is $9.00 per hour.
• Commencing January 1, 2016, the minimum wage is $9.60 per hour.

Legislative outcome: Passed House, 59-13, June 2; passed Senate 35-3, June 11; signed by Governor, June 17

Pair CCRI with local businesses for job training

• Pair CCRI [community colleges] with local businesses to develop curriculum and training programs in skills that they need.
• Expand internship and apprenticeship opportunities for CCRI students.
• Create opportunities for our high school students who choose not to attend college by expanding career and technical training throughout the state.